Yuji Higaki joined Kumamoto University as a Full Professor in April 2026. His academic journey began at Kyushu University, where he completed his doctoral studies in 2006. With a professional background that includes five years of industrial research at Teijin Co. Ltd., he brings a practical perspective to his fundamental research in polymer chemistry.

Throughout his career, he has held key positions at the Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering (IMCE) at Kyushu University and served as a group leader for the prestigious ERATO project. Most recently, he served as an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Science and Technology at Oita University.

Under the theme "Beyond Soft Interfaces”, his current research focuses on the phase separation of zwitterionic polymers and their block copolymers. Outside the laboratory, he enjoys staying active through tennis, hiking, and yoga, or recharging in hot springs.